In 2025, the enterprise network will face unprecedented demands, largely driven by the rapid growth of AI, cloud services, remote users and edge applications. AI-powered infrastructure investments are expected to be a major catalyst for network expansion, with a particular focus on supporting generative AI applications and services. As a result, there will be significant increases in spending on network security and connectivity, according to IDC's market research.

Artificial intelligence is not only a priority for customers and channel partners but also for vendors, many of whom are incorporating AI capabilities into their networking solutions. These companies are embedding artificial intelligence at various points in the network to simplify management, enhance automation and improve overall efficiency. The technology's potential is fueling innovation, as industry leaders prioritize AI advancements in their portfolios for 2025.

CEOs, from both established companies and startups are actively addressing the impact artificial intelligence will have on the market in 2025. Many are focusing on how their companies can adapt to and leverage the artificial intelligence trend to drive growth and transformation in the networking space.

This article will share insights into how these leaders plan to respond to artificial intelligence impact and shape the future of networking.

How Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Networking in 2025, According To Tech CEOs

1. Amir Khan, CEO of Alkira: A Smarter, More Secure Network

Amir Khan, CEO of Alkira, sees artificial intelligence as a game-changer in enabling more efficient and secure networking. Alkira’s platform integrates artificial intelligence to enhance network management, making it smarter and more responsive.

Artificial intelligence will support workloads, predict maintenance needs, automate troubleshooting and address growing cybersecurity threats. The future of networking, according to Khan, lies in personalized, context-aware solutions that provide businesses with a dynamic and scalable network infrastructure. artificial intelligence will empower partners to offer proactive services, transforming them into strategic advisors.

2. Shlomo Kramer, Co-Founder of Cato Networks: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into SASE

At Cato Networks, Shlomo Kramer highlights how artificial intelligence is already embedded in their Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform. By utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning models for threat intelligence, data classification and performance optimization, Cato is expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities.

Businesses can also achieve similar results by investing in dedicated server hosting. Kramer envisions that in 2025, artificial intelligence will further enhance customer-specific security and performance solutions, optimizing network operations and improving visibility into network traffic and activities.

3. Rajeev Shah, CEO of Celona: Artificial Intelligence at the Edge

Rajeev Shah of Celona emphasizes the need for a new approach to networking in response to artificial intelligence-driven demands. artificial intelligence requires immense computing power, especially at the edge of the network. Shah introduces the concept of an “industrial intelligence stack” where artificial intelligence transforms real-time decision-making and automation at the network edge.

In 2025, networking infrastructure will shift toward low-latency, high-performance wireless technologies that can support artificial intelligence’s growing impact on Industry 4.0. Businesses can  buy managed cloud to achieve this goal.

4. Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco: Artificial Intelligence-Driven Predictive Solutions

Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco, points to artificial intelligence as a key enabler in creating more predictive and personalized network solutions. Cisco's Partner Experience Platform, which uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time intelligence and automated recommendations, is a step in this direction.

Robbins predicts that artificial intelligence will continue to redefine how networking companies collaborate with customers and partners, making AI-driven services a central focus in future network infrastructure.

5. Ed Meyercord, CEO of Extreme Networks: Automation to the Next Level

Extreme Networks' Ed Meyercord is pushing the envelope with Extreme AI Expert, which provides deep automation across network management. By simplifying complex tasks, artificial intelligence is expected to reduce time and costs, allowing partners to offer more competitive services.

As artificial intelligence becomes integral to network management, it will provide partners with faster, more efficient ways to deploy and manage solutions, paving the way for a new era of flexibility in the networking space.

6. Antonio Neri, CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise: The Rise of AI-Powered IT Ops

Antonio Neri of HPE sees artificial intelligence as pivotal to transforming IT operations in the hybrid and multi-cloud environment. HPE’s Private Cloud artificial intelligence will enable faster, more energy-efficient deployment of generative artificial intelligence applications.

AI-powered insights will simplify infrastructure management and Neri predicts this will revolutionize how enterprises handle networking, storage and computation. It will create a more seamless experience for customers and partners alike.

7. Pankaj Patel, CEO of Nile: Artificial Intelligence for Reliable Service Delivery

Pankaj Patel of Nile focuses on the role artificial intelligence plays in ensuring the reliability and performance of network services. Nile guarantees network availability, coverage and capacity at 99.95%, relying on artificial intelligence for continuous monitoring. Patel believes that by integrating artificial intelligence more deeply into service delivery, businesses will be able to guarantee higher service standards and improve network performance.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence’s influence on networking in 2025 will extend far beyond automation, shaping everything from security to performance optimization. As these CEOs highlight, the future of networking is intelligent, personalized and edge-centric. Companies that embrace artificial intelligence now will lead the way in redefining what is possible in the world of enterprise networking.

What impact will artificial intelligence have on the networking industry as a whole in 2025? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below